I have been in Swansons a couple of times and loved it, but even more useful and interesting have been the times I've called them. Once they referred me to another nursery close to my parents'... More

I have been in Swansons a couple of times and loved it, but even more useful and interesting have been the times I've called them. Once they referred me to another nursery close to my parents' house for a tree I wanted to get them--instead of having me buy it through them. And I just tried to get a rare tropical herbal plant (murraya koenigii) and they didn't have it, but responded with enthusiasm and a plan when I gave them a resource of where to get it. These people are lovely and amazing. I expect I'll be able to buy this rare herb from them next year.
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...Oh, never mind, I just spent it all at Swanson's. This is a good thing. This doesn't mean they are expensive, I just bought a lot of stuff. If you are a gardener in Seattle you know about... More

...Oh, never mind, I just spent it all at Swanson's. This is a good thing. This doesn't mean they are expensive, I just bought a lot of stuff. If you are a gardener in Seattle you know about Swanson's so I really don't need to sing their praises. The staff takes time to help you with all questions regardless of the amount of people in the store and they will stay with you until your questions are answered. Sure you can go to the big box places to buy plants and save a buck or two, but the difference in price is made up in the knowledge at Swanson's. At Home Depot of Fred Meyer you are lucky if you can find a person to talk to let alone answer questions. I have never had a bad experience at Swanson's, even after I get the large Credit Card bill. Now if I could just remember to uses those damn Swanson's bucks!
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I live pretty close to Swansons, and while there are places cheaper, there are none prettier and as well stocked inside the city, or as close to home. They have a huge selection of Monrovia brand,... More

I live pretty close to Swansons, and while there are places cheaper, there are none prettier and as well stocked inside the city, or as close to home. They have a huge selection of Monrovia brand, which I never have a problem growing, and thier staff have always been kind and courteous. One guy helped me with vine plants for a good 30 minutes, sharing his knowledge and getting info about the climate in my yard so that I'd get just the right thing. A great place to gather ideas as well.
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This is a great nursery all year round. They've always got tons of plants, trees, and accessories to check out. It's a really pleasant place to just wander around since it's pretty big. A friend... More

This is a great nursery all year round. They've always got tons of plants, trees, and accessories to check out. It's a really pleasant place to just wander around since it's pretty big. A friend of mine used to bring her kids here when she was babysitting since there was so much to see. They usually do coupons and things around July and December, so watch for those. Definitely my first stop for all gardening, houseplant, and related shopping.
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This is an extravaganza of a nursery experience. I loved it when they were a bit smaller with a resident golden retriever, who greeted all the visitors and waited for pets. There were even puppies... More

This is an extravaganza of a nursery experience. I loved it when they were a bit smaller with a resident golden retriever, who greeted all the visitors and waited for pets. There were even puppies at one time. Alas, growth changes everything. Still, they are a wonderful nursery. Everything from seeds to trees, great pots, and a wonderfully-designed garden display which overlooks the Sound. Hard-to-find plants and expert advice. They have a new coffee shop and winding koi pond. I've purchased a bare-root tree, and several shrubs at their fall sale.
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We headed out to hunt for Christmas tree, and after our 4th tree lot (in shock from the prices), we found ourselves at Swanson's (just for kicks). We were so surprise that for only $10 more - we... More

We headed out to hunt for Christmas tree, and after our 4th tree lot (in shock from the prices), we found ourselves at Swanson's (just for kicks). We were so surprise that for only $10 more - we feel like we got such a great value. My son is 16 years old, so it is it a completely different experience than having little ones, but we still enjoyed the Reindeer, the lovely electric Christmas choo-choo train, the old tractor is a great photo op, hot cider and cookies....and they hang the trees from the ceilings inside of these gigantic green houses, so viewing the trees is hands free (and it is easy to spin the tree and see all sides), and then they use this machine to shake all the loose debris from the tree, they hand you a little tag and take if off to the loading area for you and put it in a handy little net! For paying only $10 more for an 8ft noble, we figured what the heck, and if you need to get your tree on a dark rainy day or you have little ones - you can can't beat it. you can also get in some Christmas shopping (and if you make any purchases in the month of November - you get Holiday Bucks to save on your tree). So needless to say, unless your off to the tree farm, this is pretty hard to beat, and now a great excuses for shopping in the Fall at Swanson's! We ened up with additional time to get the tree decorated all in the same day too. For those folks really short on time or maybe you don't have a vehicle that is good for moving a Christmas tree - they will even deliver and set your tree up for you for only $25 bucks.
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Swansons has both a great variety and high quality of plants -- I've always been pleased with anything I've purchased there. Things are arranged in an easy to understand way, but evergreen,... More

Swansons has both a great variety and high quality of plants -- I've always been pleased with anything I've purchased there. Things are arranged in an easy to understand way, but evergreen, perennial, annual, etc. They also have a great staff that is happy to help you pick the right plant or tree for your location. The only drawback is the higher prices, compared to places like Home Depot or Fred Meyer. I tend to shop those places when looking for something ordinary like pansies or mums, and save Swansons for when I need something more unusual or interesting.
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Swanson's has an extensive seletion of plants, pots, fertilizers, soils, and other gardening accessories. Since I live in an apartment, I obviously do not have a lot of experience with their... More

Swanson's has an extensive seletion of plants, pots, fertilizers, soils, and other gardening accessories. Since I live in an apartment, I obviously do not have a lot of experience with their landscaping facilities, but I have purchased lots of flowering plants for indoors and out here. They have mostly been annuals, but I have also been able to find some really nice pots and accessories that I have combined with the plants to use as gifts. Swansons also has something called Swanson dollars (or something like that) which you get based on how much you spend and they can be redeemed during different periods throughout the year. The staff is friendly and the layout of the nursery is well done making it always a fun place to visit.
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Swanson's is an amazing nursery with incredible selection, knowledgable and helpful staff, and excellent baskets. I never buy garden products and those big stores anymore because it always ends up... More

Swanson's is an amazing nursery with incredible selection, knowledgable and helpful staff, and excellent baskets. I never buy garden products and those big stores anymore because it always ends up bug infested or dead. Swanson's sells the best product. They are not the cheapest place in town but they have a great fall sale (I think it is sept1-Oct?) which is a great time to plant stuff with the coming rain. We needed some hanging baskets for my wedding and they were a pleasure to work with, consulted with us about exact colors, planted the baskets early and removed plants that weren't working replacing them with good ones. We were really happy! They also have a special Christmas decoration celebration and a live reindeer in November and December.
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This sprawling North-end nursery situated on several acres has most of the plants you could think of and then some. They have perennials, fruit trees, roses, shade plants, groundcovers and more.... More

This sprawling North-end nursery situated on several acres has most of the plants you could think of and then some. They have perennials, fruit trees, roses, shade plants, groundcovers and more. There is also a cafe for when you get too overwhelmed and need a little pick-me-up. They offer special deals on their website, so check for coupons and Swan-Dollars specials and sales. Prices are average to low average.
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